Over the years, you might notice that cracks begin to form in the walls of your home. You might even notice new cracks start to form as the weather warms up during the springtime. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it?
Wall cracks typically form as a result of problems in your home's foundations. Indeed, they are often warning signs of more serious problems. You must take this issue seriously and fix problems as soon as you notice them.
The Significance Of Wall Cracks
Wall, ceiling or floor cracks sometimes appear suddenly. In other cases, they develop gradually over time. Regardless of if they are new or old issues, cracks need attention.
Wall cracks are usually symptoms of problems with the home's foundation. The foundation is the structure that anchors the home to the ground. But, the ground is not a solid object, and terrain might change and shift over time. So, even the most-solid foundation can shift.
When a foundation shifts, it begins to warp from its original design. Therefore, the structure built on top of the foundation could shift as well. That is when cracks might begin to form.
The wall cracks will signify that the home's structure is changing in a damaging way. If you let the cracks go unaddressed, they could lead to more serious issues. These might include:
- Structural damage
- Collapse risks
- Damage to wiring and plumbing
- Contents damage
You don't want to deal with the fallout from these issues. So, don't let cracks get out of control.
Other Causes Of Wall Cracks
Cracks might also develop because of such conditions as:
- Root damage to the soil under the home
- Changing temperatures that cause soil and other materials to expand or contract
- Groundwater flooding
- Damage to the structures behind the walls, such as the home's skeleton
The risk of cracks will exist in almost any home. But, there are ways to take care of the property and prevent these risks.
Fixing Wall Cracks
If you notice wall cracks, don't wait. Call a contractor. They can visit your home, investigate the cause of the damage and fix the problem.
The investigation can also help you determine what caused the cracks to form. It can point out issues on the home that you'll need to fix to keep the problems from happening again.
Your home's insurance likely won't cover crack repairs unless the cracks formed due to a covered peril. Since most wall cracks form gradually, they usually don't fall into this category. Yet, you can prevent damage by having an annual foundation inspection. This will allow you to make preventive repairs, even before cracks have a chance to form.
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